The Colgate Inn was officially dedicated during Homecoming weekend, though guests have been staying overnight, dining, entertaining, and enjoying the renovated historic inn for several months now.
The reception featured a champagne ribbon cutting, and expressions of gratitude to several alumni whose support has been critical.
Mark Falcone ’85, a member of the Board of Trustees and chairman of the Hamilton
Initiative, was recognized for the integral role he played in the renovation. Though he and his wife, Ellen Bruss, had been involved in nearly every detail, Falcone was surprised to learn that there was a new Falcone Suite named in their honor.
The Persson Suite was dedicated in recognition of Helen K. Persson, widow of A. Theodore “Ted” Persson Jr. ’42, trustee emeritus. Special thanks was given to Harry Mariani ’59 and James Mariani ’87 for their support of the project, and Tony Whaling ’59 was credited with the vision and wherewithal to initiate the many good works of the Hamilton Initiative.
Denis Cronin ’69, chair of Colgate’s Board of Trustees, was visibly moved by the dedicated efforts of so many people, as well as the beauty of the outcome.
“This building is something of a miracle,” Cronin said, noting the four major aspects of the transformation: new windows that let in natural light, relocation of the bar, more parking space, and, most important, the reconfiguration of the 75-year-old walls.
“The walls had to be moved,” Cronin said. “Why? Because they might talk.” And then he wished for the landmark what everyone was thinking:
“May the new generation of listening walls be as good as the last ones.”
